Past events

Introduction

The Ombudsman recognises the important role that the media play in informing public opinion, enriching debate, and in increasing the visibility of her services in all the EU Member States. A pro-active media policy constitutes a central component of her activities and of her efforts to promote respect for rights under EU law and to improve the quality of administration.

Press releases

Following a detailed inquiry, the European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, has found that the Council of the EU - through practices that inhibit the scrutiny of draft EU legislation - undermines citizens’ right to hold their elected representatives to account. This constitutes maladministration.

The Ombudsman specifically criticises the Council’s failure systematically to record the identity of Member States taking positions during discussions on draft legislation, and the widespread practice of disproportionately marking documents as not for circulation, or “LIMITE”.